In a major breakthrough for international security, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the killing of prominent Islamic State leader Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifa, also known as Abu Khadija, during a joint operation between Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces. The operation took place in Iraq’s western Al Anbar province, where Muslih, a key figure in IS’s global operations, was located.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani hailed Muslih as one of the “most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world,” underscoring the significant threat posed by the Islamic State group. The importance of this operation cannot be overstated; Muslih was the head of IS’s most senior decision-making body, overseeing critical functions such as logistics and global planning for the organization.
In a statement issued on his Truth Social platform, President Trump expressed his satisfaction with the successful operation, stating, “His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!” This announcement is part of the broader U.S. strategy to combat terrorism and strengthen international alliances against extremist threats.
The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) provided details of the operation, revealing that the forces were able to identify Muslih through DNA matching from a previous operation where he narrowly escaped capture. During the raid, both Muslih and another IS operative were found with unexploded suicide vests and multiple weapons, indicating their ongoing commitment to violent extremism.
General Michael Erik Kurilla remarked on the operation, emphasizing that “Abu Khadijah was one of the most important IS members in the entire global IS organization,” reinforcing the critical nature of this victory for both U.S. and allied forces. He reiterated the mission to dismantle terrorist organizations that threaten the safety of the U.S. homeland and its allies globally.
Following the coordinated operation, officials stress the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration in efforts to suppress terrorist networks and prevent further attacks. This operation serves as a potent reminder of the persistent threat posed by groups like the Islamic State and the international commitment to countering these challenges effectively.